‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎Nigeria’s pioneer maritime reporters body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Thursday, set aside the Godfrey Bivbere-led Executive, replacing it with a 3-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the body in the interim.
‎
‎The Caretaker Committee unanimously put in place is part of a major reorganization to reposition MARAN to enable her meet her cardinal  aspirations .
‎
‎Led by Mr Tunde Ayodele as Chairman,  Mr John Obot and Mrs Ruth Sunday Umunna now serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
‎
‎Unveiling the new dispensation in a release, MARAN wishes all stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector,  ministries, government departments and agencies to, henceforth, direct and channel all dealings with the new leadership.
‎
‎”The Association wishes to state categorically that the action is for the good of the Association, the industry and the nation in general and should therefore not be misconstrued.”
‎
‎”We wish to use this medium to invite our highly esteemed stakeholders to our Association’s forthcoming launch of the book, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”, coming up on the 4th of December, at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.”
‎
‎”The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, is a foremost body of highly cerebral, credible, erudite and professional Journalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It has been covering the activities of the maritime industry for nearly four decades.”
‎
‎”The Association had made its indelible mark in the maritime sector through unbiased, insightful, and impactful reportage of the sector over the years.
‎It is the first and the longest Maritime Association in the Industry and has evolved with more than forty members from the Prints, Electronic and Online platforms.”
‎
‎
‎

‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
‎
‎ A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
‎
‎Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation  was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
‎
‎Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
‎
‎The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
‎
‎The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.

‎
‎Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to  the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for  proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
‎
‎“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
‎
‎He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
‎

‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
‎
‎The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
‎
‎According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
‎
‎Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
‎
‎He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
‎
‎His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
‎
‎”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
‎
‎The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
‎
‎He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
‎
‎Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.